Harlem Globetrotters to let fans determine the rules of the game for Jan. 12 performance

MEMPHIS, October 22, 2012 - Known as innovators of the game of basketball for decades, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters are again introducing something unparalleled in the history of sports and family entertainment, taking kid participation and fun to a whole new level when the Globetrotters come to FedExForum in Memphis on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 7 p.m.

For the first time ever, during the Globetrotters’ 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour, your family’s smiles will begin before you even get to the show. Fans will decide the rules for the game that could affect the final outcome. This could be anything from playing with two basketballs at once, to getting double the points for each basket made.

Tickets start at $23 and go on-sale to the general public on Thursday, November 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com, the FedExForum Box Office or by phone at (800) 745-3000 and harlemglobetrotters.com. For more information, visit fedexforum.com, ‘like’ FedExForum on Facebook or follow on Twitter (@FedExForum). Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com.

Go online with your kids to www.harlemglobetrotters.com to vote for which ground-breaking rule you want to see implemented in the game. Then, get your tickets, and see the winning rules in live action at the Globetrotters’ world championship game.

Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you get to actually spend time on the court with the Globetrotters one-on-one – shooting, trying out ball tricks, autographs and photos. The unique 30-minute pre-show, “Magic Pass,” will create memories of a lifetime. To participate in the pre-show, all customers must have a game ticket and a “Magic Pass”, which is sold separately. After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans. Subject to availability.

This year's Globetrotters roster features stars such as Big Easy Lofton and Scooter Christensen. They will join many other fan favorites, including, 7-foot-4 Stretch Middleton and female star TNT Maddox. Rosters are subject to change. The North American leg of the 2013 “Your Write the Rules” World Tour will tip-off on December 26, 2012, and will run through April 2013. The team will play over 270 games in nearly 240 cities in 45 states and nine Canadian provinces.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 87th consecutive year in 2013, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: harlemglobetrotters.com.